Foynes – Shannon River
A daytrip filled with vistas and stunning scenery! The stuff you see in ‘visit Ireland’ adverts….we start by following the coast along the river Shannon. The longest river in Ireland starting in The Cuilcagh Mountains Cavan and one of the super highways of centuries gone by. Passing through towns such as Askeaton with its 14th Century Franciscan friary and Foynes where transatlantic
flights first began, you’ll enjoy the patchwork of green fields and stonewalls on the way to Tarbert.
Cliffs of Kilkee – St – Tola – Vaughan’s pub
Crossing the river by ferry (not included) we head West and take you to a little gem of the West coast, which sees little or no tourists. A 3-mile stretch of tarmac serving up a myriad of vistas with every twist and turn. Following on from here, we hug the coast through the towns of Doonbeg, Quilty and Miltown Malbay before entering the seaside town of Lahinch. It is the gateway to the Burren, and an opportunity for a unique visit to our artisan goat’s cheese producer Siobhan of St-Tola. Used by many of Ireland’s top chefs, this intimate encounter will leave you hungry. This is addressed by stopping at Vaughan’s Pub in Liscannor for some local fare in or outside. (The chowder here is superb)
Cliffs of Moher – Burren – Poulnabrone.
For some people, the next stop is the ‘Piece de resistance” The Cliff of Moher… On a clear day it is said you can see North America from here though I still suspect it is the Aran Island. A brisk walk to rid the newly imposed calories before continuing along Black head and into Ballyvaughan. It is here you’ll be introduced close up, to the Burren. 160 square kilometers of landscape like no other place in Ireland. Flanked by stunning stonewalls; the road climbs to Poulnabrone Dolmen (Wedge tomb 2500 BC) and Caherconnell stone forts, which will satisfy the historians amongst us. The ladies can be tempted to wander the wonderful pavements of the Burren perfumery before heading back towards Adare via Ennis, Bunratty (Maybe a pint at Dirty Nellies) before ending the day back in the Manor in time for Dinner.
Estimated duration of tour 8 Hours
Lough Gur - Grange stone circle – DeValera’s house
Meandering through the hedgerows of the beautiful country lanes surrounding the Manor, we head for the sleepy little village of Bruree on the banks of the river Maigue. It is here that one of Ireland’s most historic figures, Eamon De Valera, was raised. Instrumental in the rising of 1916, it shows the humble lifestyle people endured at the turn of the Century.
Continuing onto Kilmallock, we can see the old gates to this historic town and time allowing we can enjoy a quick look at the collegiate church ruins. The old town is typical of Irish life today as tourism here is non-existent. Continuing to Lough Gur. A place of continuous habitation for at least 5500 years, it provides a stunning setting for a stroll along the lake and takes in the many monuments in addition to visiting the heritage centre. We’ll head back for the village of Adare but not before stopping off Ireland’s largest stone circle, Grange. Dating back to 2100BC this druid’s marvel was once used as a place of worship in addition of ceremonial occasions.
Estimated tour duration 4 hours
As the song goes, the stunning city situated on the River Shannon has played a significant role in Irish history. Frank McCourt was bets known for describing some of these scenes and it is first on our list.
Frank McCourt
Francis "Frank" McCourt (August 19, 1930 – July 19, 2009) was an Irish-American teacher and Pulitzer Prize–winning writer, best known as the author of Angela's Ashes, an award-winning, tragicomic memoir of the misery and squalor of his childhood. We bring you to the heart of the location of his story. The schools, the lane, park even the pub. Treaty Stone & King Johns
The pedestal was reputedly designed by William Edward Corbett (1824-1904). It was regarded traditionally as the writing table on which The Treaty of Limerick, 3rd October 1691, was signed. The Treaty of Limerick ended the Williamite war in Ireland between the Jacobites and the supporters of William of Orange. Looking over at King John’s Castle you can decide to stroll over and
take the tour.
St-Mary’s Cathedral – Potato market – Hunt museum
To conclude, we take a drive by St-Mary’s Cathedral and the potato market where your guide will explain to you the significance of the potato and the famine. A short walk across the bridge will take you into the Hunt Museum. Exhibiting one of Ireland's greatest private collections of art and antiquities, dating from the Neolithic to the 20th Century, including works by Renoir,
Picasso and Yeats. Time remaining, the city gallery is worth a brief visit and its free!
Estimated duration of tour 4 hours
Ring of Kerry “The jewel in the crown” (Your start to the Ring can be from any location on it as the journey is a loop) Famous for a reason! It’s breathtaking beauty. Generously scattered with picture perfect vistas, the Ring combines beauty with a rich blend of culture & history.
Muckross House
Built in 1843 for Henry Arthur Herbert and his wife, the water colorist Mary Balfour Herbert this Tudor style mansion with 65 rooms is nestled in the mountains and Lakes of Killarney. The house was extensively refurbished in the 1850’s for the visit of Queen Victoria. Continuing along, the vistas of Ladies View and the lakes will leave more then a lingering memory. Staigue fort & Derrynane Beach Staigue fort is a marvel just 3 km of the Ring. Dating back to 3-400AD, this fort is one well worth the small detour. Derrynane House is the ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman. Situated along a stunning beach, you may enjoy a brief stroll to clear your thoughts.
O’Neill’s The Point
As a Michelin star chef in my earlier life, I rarely make recommendations, as they can be subjective. However simple fresh and stunning seafood is a rare treat and for this reason I never pass this inn. Located at the ferry crossing to Valentia Island it not only satisfies your stomach but also feasts your eyes in the process. (Unless the Guinness proved irresistible)!
Skellig Ring
A little side excursion unknown to the average traveler, your Procar Chauffeur will add in the Skellig ring . This little loop will present vistas, over cliffs, Islands and green stonewalled fields. A quarry, lighthouse and off course the Skellig Islands. Home to monks more then 1500 years ago. We may even have a private visit to a chocolatier.
Estimated duration of the tour 8 hours
So you’ve heard all about it! Famous worldwide and here you are, a stone throw away from touching it, feeling it and dare I say…kissing it. Of course when you do decide to kiss it the consequence is reputed to bestow you with the gift of eloquence. Legend has it that the stone was a piece of the “Stone of Scone” which was gifted by Robert the Bruce in gratitude for Cormac McCarthy’s aid in the Battle of Bannockburn. This is one of many different versions but it seems the one of choice by the current proprietors. (Jefferyes – Colthurst)
The Castle and the House are both worth exploring and there is a good opportunity to wander around the Gardens. The current castle built by Cormac McCarthy in 1446 is a jewel and withstood many a battle in Irish History. Ladies don’t despair…climbing the stairs does have some rewards especially when they eventually lead to the Blarney Woollen Mills. The county’s most famous store for anything Irish
I’ll stop talking now…
For further information, reservations and rates please contact our reservations team on reservations@adaremanor.com or telephone +353 61 605200
